If you’re shopping for an engagement ring right now, we know exactly how you’re feeling. On one hand, you’re really excited to be taking such a big step with the person you love most; on the other hand, you just can’t handle this whole “finding the perfect ring” shopping process. It doesn’t matter how much you love shopping, or how money you’re willing to spend on a ring — you’ve just seen one too many plain gold wedding bands and yellow gold engagement rings with the traditional diamond on top. You’re probably getting a little bit frustrated (or a lot frustrated), because every jeweler that claims to have “antique custom jewelry” is just lying to you. Well, that’s how it seems, anyway.

Here’s the thing: for a while now, jewelers have noticed a trend in engagement ring demands involving a greater variety of choices, and many jewelers have begun responding to that trend. There are so many options available today, and you won’t be ridiculed for deciding that the traditional diamond engagement ring and gold wedding bands just aren’t for you and your significant other. Don’t believe us? Here are just a few alternative choices out there:

Gemstone engagement rings. were eclipsed by the popular traditional diamond ring in the past few decades. But then Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with an 18 carat sapphire ring, and the jewelry industry exploded in a gemstone frenzy. A variety of colored gems are being put to good use in engagement rings these days, but there are also plenty of antique rings circulating the market that feature gems as well. And speaking of antique rings…

Antique engagement rings are becoming more popular, and whether you find one in an antique shop or a family heirloom ring is passed down to you by a relative, these rings tend to be great options when you need something affordable and you want something unique. The great thing about diamonds, gems, and precious metals is that they tend to last for a long time. In other words, you won’t be buying a “used ring” from a thrift shop that may or may not break after a year. You’ll be investing in something that has lasted for decades, and is certain to last for years to come.

And if the gold itself is what’s bothering you, there are plenty of valuable and durable materials that can substituted for gold. Platinum is also a popular ring material, but more couples are also favoring metals like titanium and stainless steel because of their lasting properties. These rings can be just as beautiful as traditional gold wedding bands and engagement rings, too, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing aesthetic quality for durability.

Just remember, it may be a lot of work, but the perfect ring is out there and is waiting for you to find it. Good references here.